Miss Grand Myanmar National Director Htoo Ant Lwin has decided to withdraw Myanmar’s participation in the Miss Grand International (MGI) pageant, citing discontent over recent events involving Miss Grand Myanmar 2024 Thae Su Nyein.

The announcement follows Nyein’s finish as second runner-up at the 2024 MGI competition held in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 25.

In a live social media broadcast on October 26, Lwin alleged that MGI founder and president Nawat Itsaragrisil suggested that Indonesia had offered financial support to secure the Popular Vote award and purportedly encouraged Lwin to do the same.

 

He claimed that while he adhered to MGI’s voting app process, he refused to pay cash as suggested, instead borrowing funds from friends to bolster Nyein’s chances in the Popular Vote. Ultimately, Miss Grand Indonesia Nova Liana won the category, leading Lwin to express his dissatisfaction with the voting process.

Hours before officially declaring Myanmar’s exit from MGI, Lwin hinted at her frustration in a Facebook post stating, “Bye forever.”

Following the event, a video circulated showing Lwin removing Nyein’s crown and sash onstage, a gesture that drew significant backlash online, with some viewers criticizing his reaction as unsportsmanlike.

Lwin has represented Myanmar in international pageantry before, including competing in the Mister Supranational 2017 pageant in Poland. However, as the current controversy unfolds, Lwin’s past has resurfaced, with social media users referencing an adult film she reportedly starred in, leading critics to question his credibility and motives.

Neither Nawat nor the MGI organization has yet to issue an official response regarding the claims made by Lwin or his subsequent actions at the pageant.